Aaron Boone Addresses Yankees Veteran's Recent Struggles Before Blue Jays Series

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nate Lunak | Last updated May 18, 2026 6:01 PM ET

The New York Yankees are 28-19 and in second place in the American League East, going into a four-game series against the Toronto Blue Jays. Three games behind the Tampa Bay Rays, they're looking to inch closer to the division lead.

While the Yankees' offense has been among the best in MLB, ranking third in OPS (.759), not everyone in the lineup has been at their best. Austin Wells made his second straight opening day start for New York this season, establishing himself as a consistent option for the team.

However, through 36 games, the fourth-year veteran has struggled to find much success. In 36 games, he's accumulated 110 at-bats, 19 hits, three home runs, 11 runs scored and five RBIs. He has also slashed .173/.292/.264 with a .556 OPS.

New York Yankees catcher Austin Wells.Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

The Yankees are giving the catcher a bit of a break. In Sunday's loss against the New York Mets, he did not start, but did come in as a defensive replacement in the sixth inning.

On Monday, New York announced its starting lineup against Toronto, with Wells once again on the bench behind J.C. Escarra. When speaking to reporters, manager Aaron Boone addressed the decision.

“Obviously, he’s been scuffling, really, this trip,” Boone said. “Where I felt like earlier on was you know, putting together some at-bats early in the season where he was walking, not getting some results. And then yesterday’s game, the way it turned out with him getting in there for half the game, I just felt like today with the lefty, another good day to have him down."

Aaron Boone on the decision to sit Austin Wells today:

"He's obviously been scuffling this trip. Yesterday's game the way it turned out with him getting in there for half the game, I just felt like today with the lefty another good day to have him down" pic.twitter.com/YbxIiS8iA5
— Yankees Videos (@snyyankees) May 18, 2026

When asked if Wells will start on Tuesday against the Blue Jays, Boone was noncommittal, saying, "We'll see."

With the Yankees attempting to keep pace behind the Rays, this four-game series against the Blue Jays is crucial. As Wells struggles to find consistency with his bat, his role in New York's lineup is becoming less certain.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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